Calif Adding 4 More Gas Pipeline Inspectors

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Under pressure since the deadly San Bruno natural gas explosion, California regulators say they will immediately hire four more pipeline safety inspectors.

The state Public Utilities Commission says in a letter released Tuesday that the inspectors will be hired quickly. The San Francisco Chronicle says the job openings were posted Tuesday.

Legislators criticized regulators for low staffing levels after the September explosion and fire that killed eight people and destroyed dozens of San Bruno homes.

The PUC insisted its nine inspectors are aggressive and effective, but conceded the agency has fallen short. Only 1 percent at most of the 110,000 miles of gas pipelines are inspected.

Records show that from 2003 through 2009, California failed each year to meet the federal government's minimum inspection levels.